5 Reflections on Humility & Wisdom

By

There is something about new life that humbles us. A tiny baby reminds us how small we are and how great God is. No matter how much we plan or prepare, life always reminds us that we are not in control. God is. Moments do not come with loud announcements or long explanations. They simply arrive and settle in our hearts. One of those moments came when I received a message from our dear sister Chhoryi.

She sent me a short message, filled with excitement and wonder. She had given birth to a baby girl. A healthy, beautiful baby girl. Her name is Ratha Ling Ei, a name lovingly formed by combining the names of her parents, Ratha and Chhoryi. When I read that message, my heart felt full. I smiled without realizing it. I paused for a moment and whispered a quiet prayer of thanks. 

Brother Ratha and pretty wife Chhoryi (young couple @PPC)

Ratha and Chhoryi are one of our young couples at church. Ratha was part of the first group of young men who stayed in our dorm ministry. He lived there for several years while finishing university. After graduating, he found a job and eventually moved out of the dorm. But what has always touched our hearts is that he never left the church. He continues to worship with us. 

Chhoryi is his gentle and pretty wife. They have been married for more than two years. She often comes quietly to church with Ratha. During worship, she sits and watches her husband play the guitar with the worship team. I notice how her eyes follow him. There is admiration there. There is love. She may not say much, but her presence speaks.

Chhoryi is still a university student. She also works part time while continuing her studies. Ratha is already working full time at a bank. They are young, learning, adjusting, and growing together. Like many young couples, they are figuring out marriage, responsibilities, and now parenthood.

Chhoryi is not yet a believer. Both her parents and Ratha’s parents are devoted Buddhists. This makes conversations about Jesus more sensitive and sometimes difficult. Yet Chhoryi has always been open and kind. She is shy at first, but once she feels comfortable, she becomes cheerful and warm. We often message each other during the week through Telegram. She practices her English with me, and I truly appreciate her effort. In those simple messages, trust has grown.

During her pregnancy, she experienced many difficulties. Like many first time mothers, the journey was not easy. She struggled especially during the later months. Moving around was hard for her. Climbing stairs became painful. Since our worship place is located on the top floor of a school building, it was difficult for her to attend regularly. Because of that, we did not see each other often. But our connection did not stop. She would message and ask for prayers for herself and for the baby. Each message became a quiet reminder of how much people need prayer, care, and gentle presence.

Last week, we were unable to visit her at the hospital because we were out of town. I was in Kampong Chhnang, and my husband was traveling with Pastor Sopheak in Kampot. Still, even from a distance, we felt connected. They sent us photos of their newborn daughter. Looking at that tiny face brought tears to my eyes. Life had entered a new season for them.

Moments like this remind me of Proverbs 1:7.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”

This verse does not speak of fear as terror. It speaks of reverence. It speaks of humility. It reminds us that wisdom begins when we acknowledge that God is God and we are not.

New parents understand this deeply. A baby humbles us. No book, no advice, no experience can fully prepare us. We learn quickly that wisdom is not about knowing everything. It is about depending on God daily.

As we walk with young couples like Ratha and Chhoryi, we see ourselves in them. Their season of marriage and now parenthood reflects a season we once walked through ourselves. We are not experts. We often tell them honestly that we are still growing. God is not finished with us yet. We are learning humility every day. It takes wisdom to love well. It takes humility to admit mistakes. And it takes grace to keep going.

Proverbs was written by King Solomon, a man who received wisdom from God. Solomon began the book of Proverbs by pointing us back to the source of wisdom. Not experience. Not success. Not wealth. But the fear of the Lord.

Solomon had riches and honor beyond imagination. Yet he understood that without humility before God, all of it would mean nothing. Later, he wrote that humility and the fear of the Lord lead to life, honor, and true riches.

For us today, wisdom still begins the same way. It begins when we come to God with open hands. When we admit that we do not know everything. When we allow God to teach us through His Word, through relationships, and through seasons of life.

Watching young parents hold their newborn child teaches us this truth again. Life is fragile. Life is precious. And life is a gift from God.

For those who believe in Jesus, Proverbs 1:7 reminds us to walk humbly every day. For those who are still seeking, it offers an invitation. An invitation to see that wisdom is not about religion, but about relationship with the One who gives life.

As we pray for Chhoryi, we pray not only for her physical recovery, but also for her heart. We pray that she will come to know Jesus personally. That she will experience His peace and love. That she will be willing to grow and be discipled in her walk with God. And we trust God with the timing. Wisdom teaches us to wait patiently and love faithfully.

God is faithful in every season. Seasons change. People grow. Circumstances shift. But God remains the same.

Below are five simple reflections on humility and wisdom, drawn from Proverbs 1:7, with practical ways to live them out and short prayers for each.

1. Wisdom Begins With Reverence for God

True wisdom starts when we recognize who God is. It begins when we stop placing ourselves at the center and place God there instead. Reverence for God means listening before speaking and praying before acting.

Practical Application
Begin each day with a short prayer. Acknowledge God first before planning your tasks. Read a small portion of Scripture and let it guide your decisions.

Prayer
Lord, teach me to begin my day with You. Help me remember that You are God and I am not. Give me a humble heart that listens to Your wisdom.

2. Humility Grows Through Everyday Life

Humility is learned in ordinary moments. In marriage. In parenting. In work. In waiting. We grow humble when we admit we need help and accept correction with grace.

Practical Application
When mistakes happen, admit them quickly. Say sorry when needed. Ask for guidance instead of pretending to know everything.

Prayer
God, help me to walk humbly in my daily life. Teach me to admit my weaknesses and trust Your strength.

3. Wisdom Is Shown Through Love and Patience

Wisdom is not loud. It is gentle. It listens. It waits. Loving people patiently is one of the clearest signs of wisdom.

Practical Application
Practice patience with family members. Listen fully before responding. Choose kindness even when it is difficult.

Prayer
Lord, give me a patient heart. Help me love others the way You love me. Teach me to respond with wisdom and grace.

4. Humility Opens the Door for Spiritual Growth

When we humble ourselves before God, He teaches us. Growth happens when we are willing to learn and be shaped.

Practical Application
Spend time in God’s Word regularly. Join a small group or seek mentoring. Be open to learning from others.

Prayer
Father, I want to grow in You. Teach me through Your Word and through the people You place in my life.

5. Wisdom Trusts God Through Every Season

Life seasons change quickly. Joy and hardship often come together. Wisdom trusts God through all of it.

Practical Application
When facing uncertainty, pray instead of worrying. Remember God’s faithfulness in past seasons.

Prayer
Lord, help me trust You in every season of my life. Remind me that You are faithful and unchanging.

As we look at the life of a newborn child, we are reminded that wisdom and humility are not complicated ideas. They are lived daily through trust, prayer, and obedience.

Whether you are a believer or still seeking, Proverbs 1:7 invites us all to begin with reverence for God. That is where true wisdom starts. And from that place, life becomes richer, deeper, and filled with hope.

Season changes, but God remains faithful.

Blessed Weekend!
The Hourngs in Cambodia 👪💗🙏
Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Connection Between Faith and Finances

By
Image
Faith and finances are inseparable in a life of stewardship. Martin Luther’s observation about the “three conversions”—mind, heart, and wallet—highlights this truth. Faith isn’t just about belief; it involves how we think, feel, and act, including how we manage our resources. Paul’s encouragement to the church in Corinth to be generous was not about meeting quotas or gaining blessings in return. Instead, he emphasized giving for the sake of others, marked by joy and rooted in the understanding of God’s generosity toward us. As Rich Villodas (Narrow Path) properly puts it, “We cannot outgive God.” Reflecting on His love compels us to give freely, trusting that He will meet our needs. As a pastor’s wife serving in Cambodia, this verse resonates deeply with the realities of our ministry, family, and faith community. It challenges us to reflect on the connection between our faith and finances, reminding us that generosity stems from a joyful heart rooted in God’s abundant love. 1. Living B...
Read more

How to Cook Khmer Nom banh chok?

By
Image
Last week, I blogged about a Filipino dish 👉 "Tinolang Manok" - my comfort food.  Today, I also would like to feature a special Khmer noodle that I have loved eating ever since I stepped my foot in Cambodia. Vandy and I have already tried several versions of this noodle dish. Each place/province or homes have their own take on making it. The ingredients and technique vary from household for sure. We love eating it in my husband's hometown Kampong Cham. My in-laws prepare it with love. This noodle is not only popular during the holidays and festivals, but also being served for important events in the country. I wish to be able to make it, but I believe it would be a long time for me to even replicate what my in-laws are making. I have watched and helped them make it but it's just too complicated for me haha! Kunthea, my sister-in-law who is living with us made Nom Banh Chok last month. Here's a recipe for how she made it. But I would want you to know some importa...
Read more

5 Steps to Effectively Share the Gospel

By
Image
My husband is praying to win another soul for Christ in our neighborhood. We are grateful to be living in a "Borey" (community in Khmer) where there is a Park. We love walking and exercising at our park. Vandy would be exercising in the early morning there, he would wait for the sun (natural Vitamin D!). It so happened that some new faces would come and exercise as well. On some weekends, my husband has had the opportunity to walk and talk to an elder man while walking on the park. Vandy is an introverted person, it's a struggle for him to even start a conversation, but one thing I like about him is that he is a good listener. And because of that, the elder man is so happy to have conversations with him. He found out that he was a government retiree. They have lots of topics as they walk in the park from politics, family down to health. Vandy is very persistent in listening and is waiting for the opportunity for him to speak. My husband knew it would take a while for the...
Read more

Do you Date with the intent to marry?

By
Image
I am grateful for a husband who not only cares for our family but also serves our church faithfully. Vandy is dependable to his friends and to the wider community. He may be quiet, but his life speaks loudly of faith in action. Our 16th anniversary reminded me again of the importance of marrying with intention. For the young people and singles we minister to, we often encourage them: date with the intent to marry. Marriage is not about fleeting feelings but about building a life together under God’s guidance. A few days ago, on September 30, my husband and I celebrated our sixteenth wedding anniversary. Sixteen years, it feels both long and short. Long because of all the stories, lessons, and memories we now carry together. Short because the days seem to have passed so quickly. This year, our celebration was simple but very meaningful. Vandy picked me up from the university after my morning classes, and we went on a lunch date. He brought me to a steak house, a rare treat for us since...
Read more

Hosting at home

By
Image
Ms. Allyn was my former boss (World Hope Org), speaking life to me as a future bride to Vandy in 2009 . She gifted us with a rice cooker, which, up to now, is being used for the church monthly potluck! Cool, right? I’ve always believed that hospitality is more than opening the doors of our homes, it’s opening the doors of our hearts. Here in Phnom Penh, where life buzzes with the noise of traffic and the rhythm of daily routines, God gives us moments that remind us of His quiet glory through friendships, food, stories, and smiles. Just like Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands,” our little acts of love and fellowship can also speak loudly of His presence and goodness. And sometimes, it happens over shared meals, in homes where stories are retold, prayers whispered, and hearts encouraged. A Full Circle of Kindness More than ten years ago, I was a young single missionary based in Kratie province . Whenever I would travel to ...
Read more

7 Scripture Prayers for Our Children on the Spectrum

By
Image
Twelve years ago, God gifted us with a beautiful baby boy David. Last Saturday (June 7th), he’s officially 12.  Almost a teenager. It feels surreal. I still remember cradling him in my arms, marveling at the miracle we had waited and prayed for. His sweet smile, chubby cheeks, and joyful eyes gave us warmth even during our most uncertain days. He was and still is our ray of sunshine. Coming home from work each day to his big hugs and excited squeals has always been the highlight of our day. Whether I had a long day at the university or Vandy, my husband, had just returned from a week in the provinces doing mission work, seeing David run toward us always made everything worthwhile. But something in me shifted this year. He’s growing up. Yes, he still needs us, but differently. He now prepares his own school uniforms, picks out the color of sets he wants to wear, and tells us his food preferences. He has opinions. He voices them. He has feelings and thoughts he wants to express. And ...
Read more